Then Ready turned and ran in the other direction. From some very far-away place he heard, “Quite right, Bob White,” and so he knew that all was well. Now he would soon come to his dear little master’s house.
On and on he ran, along the cool dark village street, until suddenly he saw in the distance the queer-shaped old oak tree that stood by the gray church at the corner. Ready was very happy, for he knew the way perfectly now. Many a race had he taken to this place with his Master Dick. Many a frolic they had had together under that old tree.
It took about three minutes more of hard dog running to bring him to the dear green house. He noticed that it looked very dark and lonely. Perhaps all the grown-ups had gone to the party too. He gave three crisp little joy barks which always meant to Master Dick, “Ready’s here.”
There was no answer at all. So Ready, with a heavy heart, decided to lie right down by the door and wait until morning.
You may be sure that he woke up very early indeed, in order to be up before Master Dick. He gave his three joy barks again and again, but no answer came.
Just then old Rover appeared. He was the oldest dog about that part of the town, and he knew everything.
Just then old Rover appeared
“Well, well, well,” he said to Ready. “They have been looking everywhere for you, but now you are too late!”
“Too late?” said Ready.